Support for a breathing assistance apparatus and/or accessories

ABSTRACT

A holder apparatus for holding a conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula, has a mount  251  to couple with a breathing assistance apparatus  10  and at least one mechanical feature  237   a,    237   b  for holding the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula in place relative to the breathing assistance apparatus.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/824,869, filed on Nov. 28, 2017, which claimspriority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/427,540,filed on Nov. 29, 2016, the disclosures of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a support apparatus for a breathingassistance apparatus and/or for accessories of such an apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Breathing assistance apparatuses are used in various environments suchas hospital, medical facility, residential care, or home environments todeliver a flow of gas to users or patients.

The breathing assistance apparatuses typically have one or moreaccessories such as a breathing conduit and a patient interface such asa cannula for delivering gases to a patient. The conduit is often asignificant length to enable gases to be delivered from the housing ofthe breathing assistance apparatus to the patient who can be positioneda reasonable distance away from the apparatus. For example, theapparatus may be placed on a floor or other support surface, and thepatient may be in a bed. Depending on the configuration of the breathingassistance apparatus, the apparatus may have additional accessories suchas a flexible liquid bag that delivers liquid to a humidifier liquidchamber via one more tubes.

For home use, a breathing assistance apparatus may typically be kept onthe floor because the apparatus may be large and noisy. Additionally,the apparatus is likely to be kept on the floor when the apparatus isnot being used, so it can be positioned out of the way. The floorenvironment can be dusty, increasing the likelihood of dust andparticulate ingress into the breathing assistance apparatus andpotentially into the gasflow. Because the apparatus may have gasesinlet(s) near the bottom of the apparatus, there may be a perceptionthat the apparatus should not be positioned on the floor. Generally,breathing assistance apparatuses do not provide adequate storage for thepatient interface such as a cannula when it is not being used, meaningthat the used patient interface such as a cannula needs to be placed ona support surface such as a bedside table when it is not being used.Additionally, the conduit can present a tripping hazard. Similar issuesmay be encountered in a transport situation; e.g. helicopter orambulance use.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a holder and/or storagefor at least one accessory of a breathing assistance apparatus, such asa conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula.

Additionally or alternatively, it would be desirable to provide asupport apparatus for a breathing assistance apparatus that enables thebreathing assistance apparatus to be stored above a support surface.

It is an object of one or more of the disclosed embodiments to provide asupport or holder for a breathing assistance apparatus and/oraccessories that goes at least some way toward achieving one of theabove desirable outcomes, or that at least provides the public or amedical professional with a useful choice.

Thus, in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of atleast one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a holder apparatus forholding a conduit and/or patient interface is disclosed, the holderapparatus comprising: a mount to couple with a breathing assistanceapparatus; and at least one mechanical feature for holding the conduitand/or patient interface such as a cannula in place relative to thebreathing assistance apparatus.

In some configurations, the holder apparatus comprises an upstandingholder, wherein the upstanding holder comprises said at least onemechanical feature for holding a conduit and/or patient interface suchas a cannula, and wherein the at least one mechanical feature has ashape that is complementary to the shape of the conduit and/or patientinterface such as a cannula.

In some configurations, the at least one mechanical feature comprisesone or more of: a recess or groove; a clip; a hinge mechanism; acompliant sling or strap; a hook and loop fastener.

In some configurations, the holder apparatus comprises a plurality ofthe mechanical features. In some configurations, the mechanical featuresare configured to hold the conduit and the patient interface such as acannula.

In some configurations, the holder apparatus is upstanding and isconfigured such that mechanical feature(s) is/are located higher thanthe breathing assistance apparatus or at or adjacent a top of thebreathing assistance apparatus, when the mount is coupled with thebreathing assistance apparatus.

In some configurations, a portion of the holder apparatus is upstandingand is configured such that a power cord can be wrapped around theportion between the portion and the breathing assistance apparatus.

In some configurations, the holder apparatus further comprises anadditional mechanical feature for holding a liquid bag. In someconfigurations, the additional mechanical feature is positionedvertically higher than the mechanical feature(s) for holding the conduitand/or patient interface such as a cannula.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, thecombination of the holder apparatus as outlined above and a breathingassistance apparatus with a conduit and/or patient interface such as acannula is disclosed, wherein the holder apparatus is coupled with thebreathing assistance apparatus, and wherein the conduit and/or patientinterface such as a cannula is/are held in place relative to the holderapparatus by the mechanical feature(s).

In some configurations, the breathing assistance apparatus comprises aconduit and a patient interface such as a cannula, and the holderapparatus comprises a plurality of the mechanical features, wherein theconduit is held in place by one of the mechanical features and thepatient interface such as a cannula is held in place by another of themechanical features.

In some configurations, the holder apparatus is positioned on a supportsurface, and the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannulais/are held above the support surface by the holder apparatus.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, asupport apparatus for a breathing apparatus is disclosed, the supportapparatus comprising: a stand; and a holder, wherein the holdercomprises at least one mechanical feature for holding a conduit and/orpatient interface such as a cannula of the breathing assistanceapparatus in place; wherein the stand is configured to support theholder in an upstanding configuration; and wherein the stand and/or theholder is/are configured to support the breathing assistance apparatus.

In some configurations, the holder extends upwardly from a periphery ofthe stand.

In some configurations, the holder comprises a mount that is configuredto releasably couple the support apparatus with the breathing assistanceapparatus. In some configurations, the mount is additionally configuredto couple the stand with the holder. That is, the mount may be a dualmount. In some configurations, the stand comprises a base and anupstand, wherein the upstand is configured to couple with the mount.

In some configurations, the position of the mount on the holder is suchthat an underside of the breathing assistance apparatus will bepositioned with a spacing above a top surface of a base of the stand,when the breathing assistance apparatus is coupled with the supportapparatus.

In some configurations, the holder comprises a plurality of themechanical features for holding a conduit and a patient interface suchas a cannula.

In some configurations, the mechanical feature(s) is/are positioned onthe holder such that the conduit and/or patient interface such as acannula is/are held above a support surface when held by the mechanicalfeature(s).

In some configurations, the support apparatus further comprises anadditional mechanical feature for holding a liquid bag. In someconfigurations, the additional mechanical feature is positionedvertically higher than the mechanical feature(s) for holding the conduitand/or patient interface such as a cannula.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, thecombination of the support apparatus as outlined above and a breathingassistance apparatus with a conduit and/or patient interface such as acannula is disclosed, wherein the breathing assistance apparatus issupported by the support apparatus, and wherein the conduit and/orpatient interface such as a cannula is/are held in place relative to thebreathing assistance apparatus by the mechanical feature(s).

In some configurations, the breathing assistance apparatus comprises aconduit and a patient interface such as a cannula, and the supportapparatus comprises a plurality of mechanical features, wherein theconduit is held in place by one of the mechanical features and thepatient interface such as a cannula is held in place by another of themechanical features.

In some configurations, the support apparatus is positioned on a supportsurface, and the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannulais/are held above the support surface by the support apparatus.

In some configurations, the breathing assistance apparatus is positionedon the stand. In some configurations, the breathing assistance apparatusand/or the stand comprise one or more engagement features to locate thebreathing assistance apparatus on the stand. In some configurations, theengagement features comprise a plurality of pins and recesses.

In some configurations, an underside of the breathing assistanceapparatus is positioned with a spacing above a top surface of a base ofthe stand.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a holderapparatus for holding a conduit and/or patient interface such as acannula is disclosed, the holder apparatus comprising: a mount to couplewith a breathing assistance apparatus; and an upstanding holder, whereinthe upstanding holder comprises at least one mechanical feature forholding a conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula, whereinthe at least one mechanical feature has a shape that is complementary tothe shape of the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula.

In some configurations, the at least one mechanical feature comprisestwo recesses, with one of the recesses configured to receive the conduitand the other of the recesses configured to receive the patientinterface such as a cannula.

In some configurations, the at least one mechanical feature comprisesone or more compliant slings.

In some configurations, the at least one mechanical feature comprisesone or more clips.

In some configurations, the at least one mechanical feature comprisesone or more hook and loop fasteners that is/are configured to securearound the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula to holdthe conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula in position.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, thecombination of the holder apparatus as outlined above and a breathingassistance apparatus with a conduit and/or patient interface such as acannula is disclosed, wherein the breathing assistance apparatus iscoupled to the mount of the holder apparatus, and wherein the conduitand/or patient interface such as a cannula is/are held in place by themechanical feature(s).

In some configurations, the breathing assistance apparatus comprises aconduit and a patient interface such as a cannula, and the holderapparatus comprises a plurality of mechanical features, wherein theconduit and patient interface such as a cannula are held in place byrespective mechanical features.

In some configurations, the conduit and/or patient interface such as acannula is/are held above a support surface by the holder apparatus.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, asupport apparatus for a breathing apparatus is disclosed, the supportapparatus comprising: a base; an upstanding component; and a mount onthe upstanding component with a spacing provided between the base andthe mount, wherein the mount is configured to releasably couple thesupport apparatus with the breathing assistance apparatus such that anunderside of the breathing assistance apparatus is positioned with aspacing above the base.

In some configurations, the upstanding component is removably coupled tothe base. In some alternative configurations, the upstanding componentmay be integrally formed with the base.

In some configurations, the upstanding component is removably coupled tothe base by the mount. That is, the mount may be a dual mount.

In some configurations, the base has a relatively small verticaldimension and relatively large horizontal dimensions, and a top face ofthe base comprises a recess for storage of one or more accessories.

In some configurations, the base further comprises a support memberspaced from the mount to assist with supporting the breathing assistanceapparatus above the base. In some configurations, the support member ispositioned at or adjacent to an opposite side of the base to the mount.In some configurations, the support member comprises an upwardlyprojecting member.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, thecombination of the support apparatus as outlined above and a breathingassistance apparatus is disclosed, wherein the breathing assistanceapparatus is releasably coupled to the mount, and wherein an undersideof the breathing assistance apparatus is positioned with a spacing abovea top surface of the base.

In some configurations, the spacing is sufficient to provide a storagespace for a liquid bag, breathing conduit, and/or power cord of thebreathing assistance apparatus.

In some configurations, the support apparatus and breathing apparatuscomprise complementary fastening features that clip the breathingassistance apparatus to the mount. In some configurations, thecomplementary fastening features comprise an indented portion on one ofthe support apparatus and the breathing assistance apparatus, and acomplementary projecting portion on the other of the support apparatusand the breathing assistance apparatus.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, asupport apparatus is disclosed, the support apparatus comprising: aholder and/or a stand; and a mount on the holder and/or stand toreleasably couple the holder and/or stand with a breathing assistanceapparatus, wherein the mount comprises at least one alignment feature toalign the mount with a complementary mount of the breathing assistanceapparatus, and wherein the mount further comprises a connection featureto releasably fasten the support apparatus to the breathing assistanceapparatus.

In some configurations, the support apparatus comprises both the holderand the stand. In some alternative configurations, the support apparatuscomprises the holder but no stand. In some alternative configurations,the support apparatus comprises the stand but no holder.

In some configurations, the mount is provided on the holder. In somealternative configurations, the mount is provided on the stand. In somealternative configurations, the mount is provided on both the holder andthe stand.

In some configurations, the at least one alignment feature is/arearranged to engage with a corresponding tongue on the breathingassistance apparatus.

In some configurations, the at least one alignment feature comprisesopposed slots into which corresponding feature(s) from the breathingassistance apparatus are receivable. In some configurations, the opposedslots are arranged to receive opposite sides of a tongue on thebreathing assistance apparatus.

In some configurations, the connection feature comprises a protrusion toengage with a corresponding protrusion on a tongue of the breathingassistance apparatus.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, thecombination of the support apparatus as outlined above and a breathingassistance apparatus is disclosed, wherein the breathing assistanceapparatus is releasably coupled to the support apparatus.

Additionally, in accordance with certain features, aspects andadvantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, asupport apparatus is disclosed, the support apparatus comprising: astand; a holder for holding a conduit and/or a patient interface such asa cannula; and a dual mount to releasably couple the holder to the standand to releasably couple the holder to a breathing assistance apparatus;and wherein the stand comprises a base and an upstand, wherein the dualmount is configured to releasably couple with the upstand.

In some configurations, the upstand is configured to receive, or bereceived, in the dual mount. In some configurations, the upstand isconfigured to be received in a receptacle in the dual mount. In someconfigurations, the receptacle comprises a stop to preventover-insertion of the upstand into the receptacle.

Features from one or more embodiments or configurations may be combinedwith features of one or more other embodiments or configurations.Additionally, more than one embodiment may be used together during aprocess of respiratory support of a patient.

The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification means ‘consisting atleast in part of’. When interpreting each statement in thisspecification that includes the term ‘comprising’, features other thanthat or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related termssuch as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprises’ are to be interpreted in the samemanner.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein(for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rationalnumbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5,7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range(for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, allsub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expresslydisclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended andall possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest valueand the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expresslystated in this application in a similar manner.

It should be understood that alternative embodiments or configurationsmay comprise any or all combinations of two or more of the parts,elements or features illustrated, described or referred to in thisspecification.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts,elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification ofthe application, individually or collectively, and any or allcombinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changesin construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of theinvention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and thedescriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to bein any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned hereinwhich have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates,such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as ifindividually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the detailed description herein havingreference to the figures that follow, of which:

FIG. 1 shows in diagrammatic form a breathing assistance apparatus inthe form of a flow therapy apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the flow therapy apparatus showing anexemplary location of and integral mount for coupling the breathingassistance apparatus to a support.

FIG. 3 is an underside perspective view of the flow therapy apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a right/rear overhead perspective view showing a supportassembly for the breathing assistance apparatus and/or a conduit and/orpatient interface such as a cannula.

FIG. 5 as a right side overhead perspective view showing the supportassembly.

FIG. 6 is a left/front overhead perspective view of the supportassembly.

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the support assembly.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the support assembly.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the support assembly.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the support assembly.

FIG. 11 is a rear/left underside perspective view of the supportassembly.

FIG. 12 is a left/front overhead perspective view of a stand of thesupport assembly.

FIG. 13 is a right/rear overhead perspective view of the stand.

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the stand.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the stand.

FIG. 16 is a right side view of the stand.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the stand.

FIG. 18 is a left/front overhead perspective view of a conduit and/orpatient interface holder of the support assembly.

FIG. 19 is a right/rear overhead perspective view of the holder.

FIG. 20 is a left side view of the holder.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the holder.

FIG. 22 is a right-side view of the holder.

FIG. 23 is an overhead plan view of the holder.

FIG. 24 as in underside perspective view of the holder showing a mountto mount the holder to the stand.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing exemplary angles of the housing ofthe apparatus when mounted to the support assembly.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the breathing assistanceapparatus, patient conduit, and patient interface such as a cannulabeing supported by the support assembly.

FIGS. 27a to 27f schematically show side views of alternative exemplaryshapes for the upstand of the base.

FIG. 28 is a right/rear overhead perspective view of an alternativeconfiguration conduit and/or patient interface holder of the supportassembly.

FIG. 29 is a right/rear overhead perspective view of an alternativeconfiguration conduit and/or patient interface holder of the supportassembly.

FIG. 30 is a right/rear overhead perspective view showing an alternativeconfiguration support assembly for the breathing assistance apparatusand/or a conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula.

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of components of the conduitand/or patient interface holder of the support assembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a left/front overhead perspective view showing an alternativeconfiguration support assembly for the breathing assistance apparatusand/or a conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula.

FIG. 33 is a left/front overhead perspective view of the stand and alower part of the conduit and/or patient interface holder of the supportassembly of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the upper part of the holder of the supportassembly of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a front part sectional view of a breathing assistanceapparatus mounted to a support assembly.

FIG. 37 is a detail view similar to FIG. 36 but showing detail of theengagement of the breathing assistance apparatus and the supportassembly.

FIG. 38 is a left side view of the breathing assistance apparatusshowing the mechanical feature for engaging the breathing assistanceapparatus with the support assembly.

FIG. 39 is a right side view of the support assembly showing themechanical feature for engaging the support assembly with the breathingassistance apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 1. Introduction

A flow therapy apparatus 10 for delivering a flow of gas to a patient isshown in FIG. 1. In general terms, the apparatus 10 comprises a mainhousing 100 that contains a flow generator 11 in the form of amotor/impeller arrangement, an optional humidifier 12, a controller 13,and a user I/O interface 14 (comprising, for example, a display andinput device(s) such as button(s), a touch screen, or the like). Thecontroller 13 is configured or programmed to control the components ofthe apparatus, including: operating the flow generator 11 to create aflow of gas (gas flow) for delivery to a patient, operating thehumidifier 12 (if present) to humidify and/or heat the generated gasflow, receive user input from the user interface 14 for reconfigurationand/or user-defined operation of the apparatus 10, and outputinformation (for example on the display) to the user. The user could bea patient, healthcare professional, or anyone else interested in usingthe apparatus.

A patient breathing conduit 16 is coupled to a gas flow output 344 inthe housing 100 of the flow therapy apparatus 10, and is coupled to apatient interface 17 such as a nasal cannula with a manifold 19 andnasal prongs 18. Additionally, or alternatively, the patient breathingconduit 16 could be coupled to a face mask. Additionally oralternatively, the patient breathing conduit could be coupled to a nasalpillows mask, and/or a nasal mask, and/or a tracheostomy interface, orany other suitable type of patient interface. The gas flow, which may behumidified, that is generated by the flow therapy apparatus 10 isdelivered to the patient via the patient breathing conduit 16 throughthe cannula 17. The patient breathing conduit 16 can have a heater wire16 a to heat gas flow passing through to the patient. The heater wire 16a is under the control of the controller 13. The patient breathingconduit 16 and/or patient interface 17 can be considered part of theflow therapy apparatus 10, or alternatively peripheral to it. The flowtherapy apparatus 10, breathing conduit 16, and patient interface 17together form a flow therapy system.

General operation of a flow therapy breathing apparatus 10 will be knownto those skilled in the art, and need not be described in detail here.However, in general terms, the controller 13 controls the flow generator11 to generate a gas flow of the desired flow rate, controls one or morevalves to control the mix of air and oxygen or other alternative gas,and controls the humidifier 12 if present to humidify the gas flowand/or heat the gas flow to an appropriate level. The gas flow isdirected out through the patient breathing conduit 16 and cannula 17 tothe patient. The controller 13 can also control a heating element in thehumidifier 12 and/or the heating element 16 a in the patient breathingconduit 16 to heat the gas to a desired temperature that achieves adesired level of therapy and/or comfort for the patient. The controller13 can be programmed with, or can determine, a suitable targettemperature of the gas flow.

Operation sensors 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 20, and 25, such as flow, temperature,humidity, and/or pressure sensors, can be placed in various locations inthe flow therapy apparatus 10 and/or the patient breathing conduit 16and/or cannula 17. Output from the sensors can be received by thecontroller 13, to assist it to operate the flow therapy apparatus 10 ina manner that provides optimal therapy. In some configurations,providing optimal therapy includes meeting a patient's inspiratorydemand. The apparatus 10 may have a transmitter and/or receiver 15 toenable the controller 13 to receive signals 8 from the sensors and/or tocontrol the various components of the flow therapy apparatus 10,including but not limited to the flow generator 11, humidifier 12, andheater wire 16 a, or accessories or peripherals associated with the flowtherapy apparatus 10. Additionally, or alternatively, the transmitterand/or receiver 15 may deliver data to a remote server or enable remotecontrol of the apparatus 10.

The flow therapy apparatus 10 may be any suitable type of apparatus, butin some configurations may deliver a high gas flow or high flow therapy(of e.g. air, oxygen, other gas mixture, or some combination thereof) toa patient to assist with breathing and/or treat breathing disorders. Insome configurations, the gas is or comprises oxygen. In someconfigurations, the gas comprises a blend of oxygen and ambient air.‘High flow therapy’ as used in this disclosure may refer to delivery ofgases to an adult patient at a flow rate of greater than or equal toabout 10 liters per minute (10 LPM), or to a neonatal, infant, or childpatient at a flow rate of greater than or equal to about 1 liter perminute (1 LPM). In some configurations, for an adult patient ‘high flowtherapy’ may refer to the delivery of gases to a patient at a flow rateof between about 10 LPM and about 100 LPM, or between about 15 LPM andabout 95 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and about 90 LPM, or between about25 LPM and about 85 LPM, or between about 30 LPM and about 80 LPM, orbetween about 35 LPM and about 75 LPM, or between about 40 LPM and about70 LPM, or between about 45 LPM and about 65 LPM, or between about 50LPM and about 60 LPM. In some configurations, for a neonatal, infant, orchild patient ‘high flow therapy’ may refer to the delivery of gases toa patient at a flow rate of greater than about 1 LPM, or between about 1LPM and about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM and about 25 LPM, orbetween about 2 LPM and about 5 LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 25LPM, or between about 5 LPM and about 10 LPM, or between about 10 LPMand about 25 LPM, or between about 10 LPM and about 20 LPM, or betweenabout 10 LPM and 15 LPM, or between about 20 LPM and about 25 LPM.Therefore, a high flow therapy apparatus for use with either an adultpatient or a neonatal, infant, or child patient, may deliver gases tothe patient at a flow rate of between about 2 LPM and about 100 LPM, orat a flow rate in any of the sub-ranges outlined above. Gases deliveredmay comprise a percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, thepercentage of oxygen in the gases delivered may be between about 20% andabout 100%, or between about 30% and about 100%, or between about 40%and about 100%, or between about 50% and about 100%, or between about60% and about 100%, or between about 70% and about 100%, or betweenabout 80% and about 100%, or between about 90% and about 100%, or about100%, or 100%.

High flow therapy has been found effective in meeting or exceeding thepatient's inspiratory demand, increasing oxygenation of the patientand/or reducing the work of breathing. Additionally, high flow therapymay generate a flushing effect in the nasopharynx such that theanatomical dead space of the upper airways is flushed by the highincoming gas flows. This creates a reservoir of fresh gas available foreach and every breath, while minimising re-breathing of carbon dioxide,nitrogen, etc.

The patient interface may be a non-sealing interface to preventbarotrauma (e.g. tissue damage to the lungs or other organs of therespiratory system due to difference in pressure relative to theatmosphere). The patient interface may be a nasal cannula with amanifold and nasal prongs, and/or a face mask, and/or a nasal pillowsmask, and/or a nasal mask, and/or a tracheostomy interface, or any othersuitable type of patient interface.

As described below, the flow therapy apparatus 10 has various featuresto assist with the functioning, use, and/or configuration of theapparatus 10.

2. Overview of Breathing Assistance Apparatus

As shown in FIG. 2, the flow therapy apparatus 10 comprises a mainhousing 100. The main housing 100 has a main housing upper chassis 102and a main housing lower chassis 104.

The main housing has a peripheral wall arrangement. The peripheral wallarrangement defines a humidifier or liquid chamber bay 108 for receiptof a removable liquid chamber 500. The removable liquid chamber 500contains a suitable liquid such as water for humidifying gases that willbe delivered to a patient.

The apparatus 10 has a tiltable handle/lever 141 that enables a user tolift and carry the apparatus when in a raised position (FIG. 2), andthat assists with maintaining the liquid chamber 500 in engagement withthe housing 100 when in a lowered position.

In the form shown, the main housing lower chassis 104 peripheral wallarrangement comprises a substantially vertical left side outer wall 109that is oriented in a front-to-rear direction of the main housing 100, asubstantially vertical right side outer wall 111 (FIG. 3), and asubstantially vertical rear outer wall 113 that extends between andconnects the walls 109, 111. A bottom wall 115 extends between andconnects the lower ends of walls 109, 111, 113, and forms a base of theapparatus and a substantially horizontal floor portion of the liquidchamber bay.

The floor portion of the liquid chamber bay 108 has a recess to receivea heater arrangement such as a heater plate or other suitable heatingelement(s) for heating liquid in the liquid chamber 500 for use during ahumidification process.

The main housing lower chassis 104 is attachable to the upper chassis102, either by suitable fasteners or integrated attachment features suchas clips for example. When the main housing lower chassis 104 isattached to the main housing upper chassis 102, the walls of the upperand lower chassis engage with each other.

The apparatus has tongue and groove arrangements between components ofthe apparatus to reduce water and oxygen ingress into the unit. Theapparatus advantageously has tongue and groove arrangements between theupper edges of the lower chassis walls and the lower edges of the upperchassis walls. The tongue and groove arrangements provide asubstantially continuous liquid/gas flow-resistant coupling around theperiphery of the upper and lower chassis parts 102, 104. For example,the lower chassis walls may be provided with grooves and the upperchassis walls may be provided with complementary tongues that areconfigured to be at least partly received in the respective grooves whenthe upper and lower chassis parts are assembled together. The continuouscoupling advantageously extends along the front, sides, and at leastmost of the rear of the chassis parts, as shown, including around anycorners between those surfaces.

The described configurations and orientations are examples only, and anysuitable combination of the tongue and groove arrangements and/ororientations of the tongue and groove arrangements may be used in theapparatus.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower chassis 104 has a motor recess 121 forreceipt of a removable motor and/or sensor module. A recess opening isprovided in the bottom wall 115 adjacent a rear edge thereof, forreceipt of the removable motor/sensor module. FIG. 3 shows a base 123 ofthe motor and/or sensor module that covers the opening into the motorrecess 121. The motor and/or sensor module comprises a motor that formsa blower to cause gasflow, and may comprise one or more sensors to senseproperties of the gas passing through the motor and/or sensor module.

The motor and/or sensor module and housing of the apparatus 10 areprovided with suitable tubes and/or gasflow passages to deliver gasesfrom one or more gases inlets of the apparatus, to a gases inlet port ofthe liquid chamber 500 to humidify the gases. The gases are deliveredfrom a gases outlet port of the liquid chamber 500 to the patient outletport 344 and thereby to the patient via the patient breathing conduit 16and patient interface.

In the form shown, the motor recess 121 comprises a recess opening in abottom wall of the housing. Alternatively, the recess opening could bein a different part of the housing, such as a side, front, or top of thehousing.

The apparatus 10 may have a battery 125 to provide power to theapparatus when there is a power outage or for portable use. The batterymay be replaceable.

In the form shown, the battery is coupled to an exterior of the backwall of the apparatus. This provides a large surface area to cool thebattery and reduces the amount of heat entering the apparatus from thebattery. Additionally, this configuration reduces the influence of heatgenerated by components of the apparatus on the battery, particularlywhen the battery is being charged. In an alternative configuration, thebattery may be internally mounted in the main housing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 has a mount 127 for mounting theapparatus to a support as will be described in more detail below withreference to FIGS. 4 to 29.

The mount 127 may be integrally formed with part of the main housing ofthe apparatus. In the form shown, the mount 127 is integrally formedwith the left side wall 109 the lower chassis 104 of the housing. Themount 127 could instead be integrally formed with any of the other wallsof the housing, such as a rear wall, right side wall, or other wall.

The side of the apparatus corresponding to the mount 127 comprises arecess 129. A downwardly projecting tongue 131 of the mount 127 has anupper end that is integrally formed with the wall, and is positioned inthe recess. A free, lower end of the tongue 131 is provided with aprotrusion in the form of a projecting bump 133. The bump projectsoutwardly a greater distance than the remainder of the tongue.

The main housing of the apparatus may be formed from any suitablematerial that will allow the mount 127 to be integrally formed. Forexample, the case may be formed from polycarbonate.

The integral mount 127 has greater impact strength compared to anadditional, screwed in part. Strengthening of the mount 127 may also bedone by, for example, varying the wall thickness, ribbing, or varyinginternal geometries.

3. Support Assembly

FIGS. 4 to 39 show exemplary configurations of a support and holderapparatus comprising a support assembly 200 300, 400, 400′ that can beused to support and hold the apparatus 10 and/or accessories of theapparatus, such as the conduit 16, patient interface such as a cannula17, a power cord of the apparatus 10, and/or tubes from a liquid bag fordelivering liquid to the liquid chamber 500 for example.

The support assembly 200 of FIGS. 4 to 27 f comprises a stand 201 and aholder 231.

The stand 201 comprises a horizontally enlarged base 203 having arelatively small vertical dimension and relatively large horizontaldimensions. The base 203 comprises an upper surface 205 and a peripheralwall 207 that extends downwardly from the upper surface 205. The shapeof the periphery of the upper surface 205 corresponds substantially tothe shape of the housing of the breathing assistance apparatus 10 inplan view. While in the form shown the base 203 has a generally oblongshape in plan view, the shape of the base 203 may change depending onthe shape of the housing of the breathing assistance apparatus 10 thatwill be supported.

The underside of the base 203 of the stand 201 comprises an undersurface 209 and a plurality of strengthening ribs 211. The ribs may beany suitable shape or configuration to provide strength and rigidity tothe base 203. A bottom edge 213 of the peripheral wall 207 is arrangedto contact a support surface such as a floor, to support the supportassembly 200 on the floor. If the strengthening ribs 211 are of the samedepth as the peripheral wall 207, the bottom edges of the strengtheningribs will also contact the support surface.

The upper surface 205 of the base 203 surrounds a recess 215 for storageof one or more accessories of the breathing assistance apparatus 10. Inthe form shown, the recess 215 has a depth of a few millimetres.However, in different configurations, the upper surface 205 could bedefined by one or more walls that extend(s) upwardly from a periphery ofthe recess 215, to provide a deeper recess. In other configurations, therecess 215 may not be provided, and the upper surface 205 of the basemay be substantially planar.

The upper surface 205 of the base 203 may have an optional alignmentfeature 217 as shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 17 to assist with aligning theholder 231 with the stand 201. In the form shown, the alignment featurecomprises an indented region that has a general T-shape. The indentedregion comprises a base portion 219 that extends from the recess 215towards a periphery of the base, a transversely extending portion 221located adjacent the periphery of the base, and two shortened extensions223 that extend from the transverse portion 221 to the periphery of thebase. The alignment feature 217 could have a different configuration.The alignment feature 217 may have the same depth as the recess 215 ormay have a different depth.

The stand 201 is configured to support the holder 231 in an upstandingconfiguration from the base. An upstand spigot 225 extends upwardly froma periphery of the base 203 to releasably mount the base 203 of thestand to the holder 231. The upstand 225 has a tapered configuration inwhich the dimensions of the upper end of the upstand 225 are smallerthan the dimensions of the lower end of the upstand. The upstandterminates at a top edge 227. The tapering of the upstand 225 makes theshape easier to mould and improves assembly as mating occurs only at theend of travel of the upstand into the lower mount 253 of the holder 231.Engagement of the lower mount 253 with the upstand 225 is described inmore detail below.

The upstand 225 could alternatively be a different shape. Exemplaryconfigurations are shown in side view in FIGS. 27a to 27f . For example,the upstand could be a straight non-tapered configuration such as arectangular or square configuration as shown in FIG. 27b . Such aconfiguration may require greater force to engage and disengage theholder 231 to/from the upstand 225 due to the increased interactionbetween the surfaces of the parts.

Other exemplary shapes for the upstand 225 include a bulbousconfiguration with an arcuate or semi-circular upper wall 227 as shownin FIG. 27a , a substantially U-shaped configuration with upper walls227 that are substantially perpendicular to elongate direction of theuprights of the U as shown in FIG. 27c , a substantially U-shapedconfiguration with upper walls 227 that are tapered or angled relativeto the elongate direction of the uprights of the U as shown in FIG. 27d, a narrower elongate upright with an arcuate or semi-circular upperwall 227 as shown in FIG. 27e , or a pair of spaced apart uprights asshown in FIG. 27f which may each, for example, have the configurationcorresponding to FIG. 27e or a different configuration. Other suitableshapes could also be used.

The shape of the lower mount 253 may be as described below or could be adifferent shape that is complementary to any of the upstand 225 shapes.

The upstand 225 is located at the periphery of the base 203 between thetransversely extending portion 221 and shortened extensions 223 of thealignment recess.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 24, the holder 231 for the conduit and/orpatient interface such as a cannula comprises an elongate upstandingcomponent comprising an upstand arm 233. A holder portion 235 ispositioned at or adjacent and at the end of the arm 233 and extendsoutwardly from one side of the arm. A dual mount 251 is positioned at ortoward an opposite lower end of the arm 233 and extends from theopposite side of the arm from the holder portion 235. Having the holderportion 235 extending from an opposite side of the arm from the mount251 is beneficial, as the holder portion will not interfere with theapparatus 10 being inserted into or removed from the mount 251. However,the holder portion 235 and the mount 251 may be provided on the sameside of the arm 233 if the arm 233 is sufficiently long to avoid thatinterference. The dual mount 251 is arranged to releasably couple theholder 231 to the stand 201 and to releasably couple the holder 231 tothe breathing assistance apparatus 10.

The holder portion 235 comprises at least one mechanical feature forholding a conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula of thebreathing assistance apparatus 10 in place relative to the supportassembly 200 and relative to the breathing assistance apparatus 10 whenthe breathing assistance apparatus is supported by the support assembly200. In the form shown, the holder portion comprises an outer mechanicalfeature 237 a and an inner mechanical feature 237 b, with one of themechanical features being configured to support the conduit 16 and theother of the mechanical features being configured to support the patientinterface such as a cannula 17.

The outer mechanical feature 237 a comprises a recess defined by anouter wall 239, a base wall 241, and an intermediate wall 243. The innermechanical feature 237 b comprises a recess defined by the intermediatewall 243, a base wall 245 that is contiguous with the base wall 241, andan inner wall 247 that is contiguous with the arm 233. The innermechanical feature 237 b is larger than the outer mechanical feature 237a, so that the larger and heavier accessory is supported closer to thearm 233. In different configurations, the mechanical features could bethe same size or the outer mechanical feature could be larger than theinner mechanical feature.

The holder portion 235 could comprise one, two, three, or moremechanical features.

The mechanical feature(s) has/have a shape that is complementary to theshape of the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula to beheld by the mechanical feature(s). The mechanical feature(s) could haveany suitable configuration. For example, the mechanical feature(s) couldcomprise one or more of: a recess or groove; a clip; a hinge mechanism;a compliant sling or strap; a hook and loop fastener; or any othersuitable configuration. In one configuration, the mechanical featurescomprise two recesses, with one of the recesses configured to receivethe conduit and the other of the recesses configured to receive thepatient interface such as a cannula. In another configuration, themechanical feature(s) comprise(s) one or more compliant slings. Inanother configuration, the mechanical feature(s) comprise(s) one or moreclips. In another configuration, the mechanical feature(s) comprise(s)one or more hook and loop fasteners that is/are configured to securearound the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula to holdthe conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula in position.

When the holder has a plurality of mechanical features, differentmechanical features could be used in combination in the holder portion235.

The dual mount 251 comprises a lower mount 253 and an upper mount 271.

The lower mount 253 is arranged to releasably mount the holder 231 tothe upstand 225 of the stand 201. Referring to FIG. 24 in particular,the lower mount comprises a receptacle to receive the upstand 225. Thereceptacle is defined by a wall 255 that is contiguous with the arm 233,a pair of spaced apart side walls 257, and an opposed wall 259. Thereceptacle has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the upstand225. In one configuration, the interior of the receptacle has a taperedshape corresponding substantially to the tapered shape of the upstand,such that the lower mount 253 and the upstand 225 will releasably lockwith a taper lock when the upstand 225 is engaged in the lower mount253. Alternatively, the receptacle may have a shape that differs fromthe tapered shape of the upstand 225, but surfaces of the upstand willengage with opposed walls of the receptacle to lock the componenttogether. The tapered configuration may provide an insertion depthlimitation of the upstand 225 into the receptacle. In eitherconfiguration, the engagement will be sufficient that the supportassembly 200 can be lifted by the holder 231 without the holder 231disconnecting from the stand 201.

The receptacle may comprise a stop to prevent over-insertion of theupstand 225 into the receptacle. For example, the stop may comprise aprojection or protrusion, or any other suitable configuration. The stopmay be provided by an upper wall of the receptacle.

A portion of the wall 255 extends further downwardly than the wall 259,such that when the holder 231 is mounted to the stand 201, a bottom edge261 of the wall 255 sits flush with the bottom edge 213 of theperipheral wall 207 of the base, as shown in FIG. 11. That enables thebottom edge 261 of the wall 255 to also contact the support surface toprovide additional stability to the holder 231.

A pair of relatively shallow side walls 263 extend inwardly from theextended portion of the wall 255 and rest against the peripheral wall207 of the base 203. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 24, lower edges 264 ofside walls 257 have a shape that is complementary to the shape of thetwo shortened extensions 223 of the alignment feature, and are receivedin the two shortened extensions 223 when the holder 231 is mounted tothe stand 201. A lower edge 259 a of the wall 259 has a shape that iscomplementary to the shape of the transverse portion 221 of thealignment feature, and is received in the transverse portion 221 whenthe holder 231 is mounted to the stand 201.

A projecting rib 265 extends inwardly from the wall 259 of the lowermount. A lower edge 265 a of the rib has a shape that is complementaryto the shape of the base portion 219 of the alignment feature, and isreceived in the base portion 219 when the holder 231 is mounted to thestand 201.

The alignment feature assists with aligning the holder 231 with thestand 201 as the upstand 225 is inserted into the lower mount 253, andwith preventing rotation of the holder 231 relative to the stand 201once the holder 231 is mounted to the stand 201. The rib 265 alsoassists with preventing inward tilting of the holder 231 toward thecentre of the stand under loading, improving the stability of theholder.

The lower mount 253 and stand 201 may have different configurationswhile still providing for releasable coupling of the lower mount 253 andthe stand 201. For example, rather than the upstand 225 being configuredto be received in the receptacle of the mount 253, the upstand 225 maybe configured to receive part of the mount 253. Alternativeconfigurations may be used, such as adhesive, a hook and loop fastener,a clip, a ridge and groove mechanism, or other releasable connection forexample.

The lower mount 253 may be integral with the holder 231 or may beseparately formed and coupled to the holder 231.

The releasable configuration of the holder 231 and the stand 201 allowsfor easy dismantling and/or transport.

The upper mount 271 is arranged to releasably mount the holder 231 tothe breathing assistance apparatus 10. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 23, theupper mount 271 comprises a receptacle having opposed slots formed byside walls 273, relatively narrow front walls 275, and a rear wall 277that extends between the side walls. The rear wall 277 is wider than thefront walls 275, so that the front walls define an opening between theslots. The base of the receptacle is defined by a bottom wall 279.

In the form shown, the upper mount 271 and the lower mount 253 arepositioned immediately adjacent each other so that a single wall 279 canform the base of the receptacle of the upper mount 271 and the top ofthe receptacle of the lower mount 253. In alternative configurations,the upper and lower mounts may be spaced further apart, and may haveseparate walls forming the base of the receptacle of the upper mount andthe top of the receptacle of the lower mount.

The receptacle of the upper mount 271 is arranged to receive the tongue131 of the mount 127 of the apparatus 10, by sliding the tonguedownwardly into the slots of the upper mount with the edges of thetongue received between the shortened front walls 275 and the rear wall277. The slots and the side walls 273 of the receptacle form alignmentfeatures to align the upper mount 271 with the complementary mount 127of the breathing assistance apparatus. In alternative configurations,different alignment feature(s) may be used, such as one or more ribs,protrusions, and/or other features. The alignment feature(s) protectagainst horizontal movement or misalignment of the support assembly 200with the apparatus 10 and assist with controlling the insertion extentof the tongue 131 of the apparatus into the receptacle. Additionally, oralternatively, one or more stops may be provided to limit the insertionextent of the tongue 131 into the receptacle.

The upper mount 271 further comprises a connection feature to releasablyfasten the support assembly 200 to the breathing assistance apparatus10. In the form shown, a protrusion in the form of a transverse bump 281projects into the receptacle of the mount from the wall 277. The bump281 is configured to engage with the bump 133 on the tongue 131 of theapparatus 10. As the tongue 131 is inserted into the receptacle of theupper mount 271, the tongue 131 will resiliently flex so that the bump281 can pass bump 133. The protrusions could have differentconfigurations, and could be positioned on different surfaces of themount and tongue.

As shown in FIG. 25, when the apparatus 10 is mounted to the supportassembly 200, the bump 133 causes the apparatus to lean towards the wall277 of the support assembly. Without the bump, a user may perceive theapparatus leaning away from the stand (due to the base of the apparatusswinging in towards the stand) and be concerned that the apparatus isnot securely held. The bump 133 therefore positions the apparatus suchthat it leans inwardly towards the stand so that a user is unlikely tobe concerned regarding the coupling between the stand and the apparatus.

The bump 133 may be configured to cause the unit apparatus to lean intowards the stand by any suitable angle. For example, angle θ₁ may beapproximately 1-15°, or approximately 1-10°, or approximately 1-7°, orapproximately 1-5°, or approximately 1-2°. Therefore θ₂ is ≥0°.

The mounting will be sufficient that the apparatus 10 is securely heldwith a reasonable buffer strength to hold the apparatus through likelyusage cases (e.g. a user leaning on the apparatus, accidental bumping ofthe apparatus), whether or not the bump is present. The bump addressesthe visual look and user's perception of the case. The mounting will besufficient that if the user lifts the apparatus 10 with normal force(for example to lift the apparatus off the floor), the apparatus 10 willnot disconnect from the support assembly.

Due to the resilient nature of the tongue, if the user wants todisconnect the apparatus 10 from the support assembly (for example, toput the apparatus 10 in a storage case), they can achieve that byapplying sufficiently large upward force to the apparatus 10 anddownward force to the support assembly 200.

The position of the upper mount 271 on the holder 231 is such that anunderside 115 of the breathing assistance apparatus 10 will bepositioned with a spacing above a top surface 205, 215 of the base 203of the stand 201, when the breathing assistance apparatus 10 is coupledwith the support assembly 200. The spacing between the top surface 205,215 of the base and the underside 115 of the breathing assistanceapparatus will advantageously be sufficient to provide a storage spacefor accessories of the breathing assistance apparatus when they are notin use. For example, a liquid bag and tubes for delivering liquid to theliquid chamber 500, breathing conduit, and/or the power cord of theapparatus.

In some configurations, the spacing between the upper surface of thereceptacle 215 and the underside 115 of the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 may be between about 50 mm and about 150 mm, or may bebetween about 50 mm and about 100 mm, or may be between about 70 mm andabout 90 mm, or may be about 80 mm, for example. If a receptacle 215 isnot provided, that may be the spacing between the upper surface 205 ofthe base and the underside 115 of the apparatus 10.

The rib 265 on the holder 231 may also support the underside 115 of theapparatus 10, to assist with holding the apparatus with the spacingabove the base 203. For example, the top surface 265 b of the rib 265may contact the underside 115 of the apparatus 10. Alternatively, theapparatus 10 may be held solely by the upper mount 251. In such aconfiguration, the rib 265 may not be provided, or may have a differentshape such as having a curved or angled upper edge as shown in FIG. 4for example. FIG. 28 shows an alternative configuration holder 231′ thatdoes not have a rib. The features and functionality are otherwise thesame as described above, and like reference numerals indicate like partswith the addition of a prime (′).

The upper portion of the upstand arm 233 is configured to be spacedapart from the side wall 109 of the housing of the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 when the apparatus 10 is coupled with the upper mount 271.Due to the spacing between the upper portion of the upstand arm 233(which may be straight) and the side wall 109, the upper portion of theupstand arm 233 thereby has a hook-like configuration, which enables apower cord of the apparatus 10 to be wrapped around that upper portionof the arm 233 between the upper and the breathing assistance apparatus10, to store the power cord when the apparatus 10 is not in use.Additionally or alternatively, the holder 231 may be provided with oneor more dedicated features for that purpose, such as hook(s), clip(s),protrusion(s), or a curved portion added to the holder 231.

The holder 231 is upstanding and is configured such that the mechanicalfeature(s) 237 a, 237 b is/are located higher than the breathingassistance apparatus 10 or at or adjacent to breathing assistanceapparatus 10, when the upper mount 271 is coupled with the breathingassistance apparatus 10. Thereby, the conduit and/or patient interfacesuch as a cannula is/are held above the breathing assistance apparatus10 or at or adjacent a top of the breathing assistance apparatus 10,when the upper mount 271 is coupled with a breathing assistanceapparatus and the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannulais/are held by the mechanical feature(s). That means that the conduitand/or patient interface such as a cannula will be easily accessible bya user when they wish to use the apparatus, even if the support assembly200 is positioned on the floor. Holding the conduit and/or patientinterface such as a cannula off the floor is likely to reduce thelikelihood of the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannulagetting contaminated or dirty, which is particularly useful in a homeenvironment where a user is likely to reuse those accessories. There arepossible benefits relating to condensate drainage back to the liquidchamber 500/ambient environment if the holder 231 holds the conduitand/or patient interface such as a cannula higher than the main housing100 of the apparatus 10. Because the holder 231 provides storage for theconduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula, the used patientinterface such as a cannula does not need to be placed on a bedsidetable after use, but can instead be supported by the holder 231.Additionally or alternatively, the used patient interface such as acannula could be positioned in the space between the underside 115 ofthe breathing assistance apparatus 10 and the top surface 205, 215 ofthe base 203.

The support assembly 200 will typically be provided or used incombination with a breathing assistance apparatus 10 having a conduit 16and/or patient interface such as a cannula 17. The support assembly maybe provided as an aftermarket component.

The apparatus 10 can be coupled with the support assembly 200 which willbe positioned on a support surface, either when the apparatus 10 is inuse or is not in use. When the apparatus 10 is not in use, the conduit16 and/or patient interface such as a cannula 17 will be held in placerelative to the support assembly 200 and the apparatus 10, and heldabove the support surface, by the mechanical feature(s) 237 a, 237 b, asshown in FIG. 26 for example.

The support assembly 200 provides a portable arrangement that is easilyplaced on a support surface such as floor or table, and that keeps theconduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula and apparatus 10 offthe ground.

The holder 231 may be used without the stand 201. With the holder 231coupled to the apparatus 10, but with no stand 201, the holder holds theconduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula in a raised positionoff the support surface, but does not raise the apparatus 10 off thesupport surface. The mounting between the holder 231 and the apparatus10 will support the upstand arm in an upright configuration from theapparatus 10. By combining the holder 231 and the stand 201 so that theapparatus 10 is raised, a larger battery 125 may be used in theapparatus 10 because the battery can project downwardly beyond theunderside 115 of the apparatus 10 without requiring the apparatus to betilted on the support surface. A larger battery may typically havegreater capacity, allowing the device 10 to be used on battery power forlonger.

When the power cord is plugged into the apparatus, the power cord can bedownwardly vertically extending to reduce the horizontal footprint ofthe apparatus and to provide a large bend radius on the cord. By havingthe apparatus 10 raised off the support surface, the power cord can beeasily stored in the space between the stand 201 of the holder 231 andthe apparatus 10 even if the power cord is plugged into the apparatus.Alternatively, the power cord could be stored in the space between thestand 201 of the holder 231 and the apparatus 10 when the power cord isunplugged from the apparatus.

The support assembly 200 can be made from any suitable material, such asinjection moulded plastic for example.

Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certainembodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art also are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, variouschanges and modifications may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosure. For instance, various components may berepositioned as desired. Features from any of the described embodimentsmay be combined with each other and/or an apparatus may comprise one,more, or all of the features of the above described embodiments.Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages arenecessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly,the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only bythe claims that follow.

The various configurations described are exemplary configurations only.Any one or more features from any of the configurations may be used incombination with any one or more features from any of the otherconfigurations.

For example, the support assembly 200 is described as having both aholder 231 and a stand 201 that can be releasably coupled together. Inan alternative configuration, the holder and stand may be integrallyformed, and the upstand 225 and lower mount 253 may not be provided.

As another example, while the support assembly or apparatus 200 isdescribed as having both a holder 231 and a stand 201, differentconfigurations of the apparatus may not have both features. For example,in some configurations, the apparatus 200 may only comprise a holder 231having a mount 271 for releasably mounting the holder 231 to thebreathing assistance apparatus 10. FIG. 29 shows such a configuration.In this configuration, the holder 231″ does not have a lower mount formounting to a stand 201 but is provided with just the upper mount 271″.The holder 231″ does not project any significant distance below themount 271″ so that the bottom of the holder 231″ does not project beyondthe underside 115 of the apparatus 10, and therefore does not interferewith the apparatus 10 sitting flat on a support surface. The featuresand functionality are otherwise the same as described above for holder231, and like reference numerals indicate like parts with the additionof a double prime (″). In some other configurations, the apparatus 200may only comprise a stand 201 and a mount 271 for releasably mountingthe stand 201 to the breathing assistance apparatus 10 with a spacingabove the stand 201. The configurations shown in FIGS. 18 to 24 and FIG.28 could be releasably mounted to the apparatus 10 to act as a holder,without using the stand 201.

In another example, the support apparatus 200 may not be configured tohold the breathing assistance apparatus with a spacing between theunderside 115 of the breathing assistance apparatus 10 and the uppersurface 205, 215 of the base 203. In an alternative configuration, themount 271 may be positioned so that when the apparatus 10 is engagedwith the mount, there may be substantially no gap between the base 203and the underside of the apparatus 115.

In another alternative configuration, the breathing assistance apparatusmay be positioned on, and be supported by, the base 203. In such aconfiguration, the base 203 and the housing of the breathing assistanceapparatus will be provided with complementary engagement features tolocate the apparatus on the base. FIG. 3 shows an exemplaryconfiguration of recesses 143 in the underside 115 of the apparatus 10to engage with engagement pins (not shown) on an upper surface of thebase. The recesses may be provided by apertures that receive fastenersto couple the upper and lower housing parts 102, 104 together. Thefasteners could insert into the screw recesses on the underside of thelower chassis part, or could protrude through the recesses into theupper chassis part to join the upper and lower chassis parts together.The number and/or configuration of engagement features may vary. Thesupport apparatus 200 may be provided with both the mount 271 and theengagement features. When a user wants to transport the apparatus 10,they can disconnect the holder 231 from the apparatus 10 and from thestand 201, and can locate the apparatus 10 directly in position on thebase 203 using the engagement features to make the device more compact.The pins and recesses may be configured so that they are aligned whenthe apparatus 10 is positioned directly on the base 203 (whether or notthe holder 231 is coupled to the stand 201), but so that they aremisaligned when the apparatus 10 is engaged with the mount 271. When thepins and recesses are aligned, the device and stand can pack down to asmall size for transportation. When the apparatus 10 is engaged with themount 271 and the pins and recesses are misaligned, the pins may engagethe underside 115 of the apparatus to assist with supporting theapparatus 10 on the support assembly 200. The pins and recesses (orother complementary engagement features) may be provided in combinationwith, or instead of the rib 265.

The mount 271 may be provided as part of the holder 231, the base 203(e.g. on the upstand 225), or both the holder 231 and the base 203. Themount 271 may be integrally formed with the holder 231 and/or base 203,or may be formed separately but coupled to the holder 231 and/or base203.

As another example, while the support assembly 200 is described asengaging with the side of the housing of the breathing assistanceapparatus 10, the support assembly could engage with any suitable partof the housing, such as an upper part, lower part, side part, frontpart, or rear part.

In another example, the support assembly could have a mechanical featuredesigned for holding a liquid bag above the flow therapy apparatus 10.The liquid bag could supply liquid to a liquid chamber 500 of the flowtherapy apparatus 10, as described above. This would be beneficial insituations where the supplying the liquid chamber 500 with liquid fromthe liquid bag requires the liquid bag to be vertically higher than theliquid chamber 500. Allowing for a liquid bag to be used to supply theliquid chamber 500 would increase the volume of liquid available andreduce the frequency with which the user would need to refill the liquidchamber 500.

FIG. 30 shows such an exemplary configuration of a support apparatuscomprising a support assembly 300 having a mechanical feature 337 c forholding a liquid bag. Unless described below, the features andfunctionality are otherwise the same as described above for supportassembly 200, and like reference numerals indicate like parts with theaddition of 100. As can be seen from the sizes of components in FIG. 30compared to the sizes of components in FIG. 4, the upstand arm 333 islonger in this configuration compared to upstand arm 233. The upstandarm 333 of the holder 331 has a conduit and/or patient interface such asa cannula holder portion 335 and a liquid bag holder portion 336. In theform shown, the liquid bag holder portion 336 comprises a mechanicalfeature 337 c for holding the liquid bag. The mechanical feature 337 cis positioned at or adjacent the upper end of the upstand arm 333, andcomprises a recess that is formed between a cantilevered member 337 c′that extends transversely outwardly and upwardly from the upstand arm333, and an upper portion 337 c″ of the upstand arm 333. Thecantilevered member may be configured to be inserted into a loop oraperture in the liquid bag (not shown) to hang the liquid bag from theupstand arm 333. The mechanical feature could be any other suitableshape, such as upwardly-opening U-shaped member, or any of the otherconfigurations described in the specification for the mechanicalfeatures for supporting the conduit and/or patient interface such as acannula, for example.

Rather than being part of the holder 331, the mechanical feature 337 cfor holding the liquid bag could be a holder that is separate from theholder 331; for example, a separate upstanding arm that is integrallyformed as part of, or is mountable to, the stand 301. When the twoholders are separate, the holder for the liquid bag could be configuredso that the mechanical feature 337 c is located at the same height,higher, or lower than the mechanical features 337 a, 337 b for holdingthe conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula. Ideally, themechanical feature 337 c for holding the liquid bag would be verticallyhigher than the mechanical feature(s) 337 a, 337 b so that the liquidbag can be positioned high enough for the liquid bag to adequatelydeliver liquid to the liquid chamber 500.

The mechanical feature 337 c for the liquid bag could project from thefront, rear, left side, or right side of the upstanding arm 333. Themechanical feature 337 c for holding the liquid bag is advantageously onan opposite face of the arm to the mechanical features 337 a, 337 b forholding the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula in orderto balance out the moment and reduce stress on the arm. As described inrelation to support assembly 200, the mechanical features 337 a, 337 bfor holding the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula mayadvantageously be on the opposite side of the upstanding arm 333 fromthe mount 351 to avoid interfering with the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 being inserted into or being removed from the mount 351. Assuch, the mechanical feature 337 c for holding the liquid bag may be onthe side of the upstanding arm 333 that the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 mounts to. The mechanical feature 337 c for holding theliquid bag may advantageously be vertically higher than the mechanicalfeatures 337 a, 337 b for holding the conduit and/or patient interfacesuch as a cannula, and as such would have less chance of interferingwith the with the breathing assistance apparatus 10 being inserted intoor being removed from the mount 351.

Although the liquid bag holder portion 336 is shown in the holder 331 ofa support assembly 300 with a conduit and/or patient interface holderportion 335, a mount 351, and a stand 301 comprising a base 303, theliquid bag holder portion 336 could alternatively be used in combinationwith any of the various designs for other features described in thespecification. For example, the liquid bag holder portion 336 and/or theconduit and/or patient interface holder portion 335 could be used in aholder apparatus that mounts to the apparatus 10 such as that shown inFIG. 29, but that does not include a stand/base.

The stand 301 and holder 331 could be integrally formed as one piece.Alternatively, certain sections of the support assembly 300 could bereleasably coupled to each other. For example, the holder 331 could bereleasably coupled to the stand 301 as described for support assembly200. The conduit and/or patient interface holder portion 335 and theliquid bag holder portion 336 could be integrally formed as part of aone piece upstand arm 333. Alternatively, or in addition, the conduitand/or patient interface holder portion 335 could be formed on a lowerpart 333 b of the upstand arm 333, and the liquid bag holder portion 336could be formed on an upper part 333 a of the upstand arm, and the upperpart 333 a of the upstand arm may releasably couple to the lower part333 b of the upstand arm. The coupling mechanism for coupling the upperpart 333 a of the upstand arm to the lower part 333 b of the upstand armcould be the same as any of the coupling mechanisms described herein forcoupling the holder 231/231′ to the stand 201. FIG. 31 illustrates oneexemplary configuration in which a tapered member 334 a extendsdownwardly from a lower shoulder 334 b on the upper part 333 a and isconfigured for receipt in a cavity 334 c in the lower part 333 b toreleasably mount the upper and lower parts together.

Having multiple members that can be assembled and disassembled offersadvantages in terms of easier packaging. Additionally, having the upperpart 333 a of the holder 331 for holding the liquid bag removable isuseful in situations where the user does not want and/or require aliquid bag, such as when using a humidifier that is not designed to beused with a liquid bag. This would allow for removal of the upper part333 a of the upstand arm when not in use to provide a more compact standand holder apparatus.

In another example, instead of having the mechanical features 237 a, 237b for holding the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannulapositioned next to one another, the holder could have two separatefeatures 437 a, 437 b spaced out vertically, one for holding the patientinterface such as a cannula and one for holding the conduit. Anexemplary configuration is shown in FIGS. 32 to 35. Unless describedbelow, the features and functionality are otherwise the same asdescribed above for support assembly 200 and 300, and like referencenumerals indicate like parts with the addition of 200 and 100respectively.

In this configuration, the patient interface holder portion 435 a ispositioned vertically higher than the conduit holder portion 435 b. Thepatient interface holder portion 435 a comprises a mechanical feature437 a for holding the patient interface such as a cannula and theconduit holder portion 435 b comprises a mechanical feature 437 b forholding the conduit. The mechanical feature 437 a for holding thepatient interface such as a cannula may be smaller than that for holdingthe conduit. In FIG. 32, the patient interface holder portion 435 a isabove the conduit holder portion 435 b; however, this could be reversed.The mechanical features 437 a, 437 b may be located on the outside ofthe upstand arm 433 to avoid interfering with the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 being inserted into or being removed from the mount 451.

A support member in the form of an upwardly projecting member 466 couldbe located on the opposite side of the base of the stand 401 to furthersupport the breathing assistance apparatus 10 in the desired positionwith a spacing above the base. The support member 466 could be used inaddition to the projecting rib 265, 365, 465, or instead could be usedwithout the projecting rib 265, 365, 465. The upwardly projecting member466 assists with reducing stress and preventing a large moment beinggenerated at the mount 451. In the form shown, the upwardly projectingmember 466 is on an opposite side of the stand 401 to the firstprojecting rib 465. In an alternative configuration, upwardly projectingmember(s) could instead be positioned at or toward a front and/or rearof the stand, but at least half way across the stand 401 from theposition of the mount 451. However, having a single upwardly projectingmember 466 on the opposite side of the stand is preferred, because itthat leaves space available at the front and rear of the stand forinserting accessories into the space between the stand and the breathingassistance apparatus 10. The upwardly projecting member 466 mayadvantageously be a configuration that has a long dimension in afront-rear direction of the stand 401 and a small dimension in atransverse direction of the stand, to minimise encroachment of theupwardly projecting member 466 into the space under the apparatus 10.Alternatively, the upwardly projecting member could have any othersuitable configuration. The upwardly projecting member(s) could beprovided in any of the stands 201, 301, 401, 401′ described herein.

The upstand arm 433 could have a separate holder portion 435 c forholding the patient interface such as a cannula and/or conduit, eitherin addition to holder portions 435 a, 435 b or instead of one or both ofholder portions 435 a, 435 b. This feature is illustrated in FIGS. 32 to35, where the mechanical feature 437 c for holding the water bag is onthe left and a separate mechanical feature 437 d for holding the patientinterface such as a cannula and/or conduit is on the right.

The separate mechanical feature 437 d for holding the patient interfacesuch as a cannula and/or conduit could be similar to any of the previousdescribed configurations. However, due to the increased verticaldistance from the breathing assistance apparatus 10, it may not benecessary to have mechanical features for holding both the patientinterface such as a cannula and the conduit. Instead one feature 437 dcould be used to hold the patient interface such as a cannula, and theincreased distance would prevent the conduit from coiling and gettingtangled, removing the need for a separate conduit holding mechanicalfeature 437 b. Another option is to have one feature that is used tohold the conduit with the patient interface such as a cannula hangingfrom the conduit end.

The mechanical feature 437 c for holding the liquid bag is shown in FIG.35 to be positioned vertically higher than the mechanical feature 437 dfor holding the conduit and/or patient interface such as a cannula. Eachmechanical feature would be located based on its correspondingaccessory, and could be located differently from what is shown. Themechanical feature 437 c for holding the liquid bag would likely be ashigh as possible to provide a vertical distance of the bag above thebreathing assistance apparatus 10. The mechanical feature 437 d forholding the patient interface such as a cannula would be located basedon the length of the conduit.

The assembled form of this configuration is shown in FIG. 32. Due to thelarge space that the liquid bag would occupy, the mechanical feature 437d for holding the patient interface such as a cannula and/or conduit ison the opposite side of the upstand arm 433 to the mechanical feature437 c for holding the liquid bag. In the configuration shown, themechanical feature 437 d for holding the patient interface such as acannula is on the same side of the upstand arm 433 as the breathingassistance apparatus, while the mechanical feature 437 c for holding theliquid bag is on the opposite side of the upstand arm 433. Thisorientation has a number of advantages. The liquid bag being on theopposite side of the upstand arm from the breathing assistance apparatusprevents the liquid bag from obscuring the display and/or user interfaceof the breathing assistance apparatus. The patient interface such as acannula and conduit would only obscure the display and/or user interfacewhen they are hung on the holder and are not in use, and as such thedisplay and/or user interface would not be needed to be used anyway. Afull liquid bag will also be heavier than the patient interface such asa cannula and conduit, so putting it opposite the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 would best counteract the weight of the breathingassistance apparatus 10. The patient interface such as a cannula wouldlikely be removed more frequently than the liquid bag. Since the supportassembly 400 would likely be oriented with the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 facing the user, the mechanical feature 437 d for holdingthe patient interface such as a cannula is advantageously on this side,so the patient interface such as a cannula is accessible to the user.Having a sufficiently long conduit and a sufficiently high mechanicalfeature 437 d would mean that the hanging patient interface such as acannula and/or conduit, and the mechanical feature 437 d, should notinterfere with insertion and removal of the breathing assistanceapparatus 10 onto the mount 451.

As discussed for support assembly 300, the upper part 433 a of theupstand member may be removably coupled to the lower part 433 b of theupstand member 433. This would allow the patient to remove the upperpart 433 a when a liquid bag is not being used. As such, it may bebeneficial to have mechanical features 437 a, 437 b, 437 d for holdingthe patient interface such as a cannula and/or conduit on both the upperpart 433 a and the lower part 433 b of the upstand member 433, as shownin FIGS. 34 and 35. This would allow for the user to hang the patientinterface such as a cannula in the higher position when using the liquidbag holder, but still allow for the patient interface such as a cannulaand conduit to be supported when the liquid bag holder is not beingused.

Although the liquid bag holder portion 436 and separate conduit and/orpatient interface holder portion 435 c are shown in the holder 431 of asupport assembly 400 with additional conduit and/or patient interfaceholder portions 435 a, 435 b, a mount 451, and a stand 401 comprising abase 403, those features could alternatively be used in combination withany of the various designs for other features described in thespecification. For example, the liquid bag holder portion 436 and/or theseparate conduit and/or patient interface holder portion 435 c could beused in a holder apparatus that mounts to the apparatus 10 such as thatshown in FIG. 29, but that does not include a stand/base.

In another example, the support assembly 400′ and the breathingassistance apparatus 10′ may have optional complementary fasteningfeatures that clip the breathing assistance apparatus 10′ to the mount451′, to enhance positive engagement between the breathing assistanceapparatus 10′ and the mount 451′. This would allow the breathingassistance apparatus 10′ to be lifted without the support assembly 400′disconnecting and falling out from below it. An exemplary configurationof a support assembly 400′ and the breathing assistance apparatus 10′ isshown in FIGS. 36 to 39. Unless described below, the features andfunctionality are otherwise the same as described above for supportassembly 400 and breathing assistance apparatus 10, and like referencenumerals indicate like parts with the addition of a prime (′).

FIG. 25 shows a bump on the outer wall of the apparatus 10 that engageswith a corresponding bump on the inner wall of the mount 251. In analternative configuration, only one of the apparatus 10 and the mount251 may have a bump. One function of these bumps is to angle thebreathing assistance apparatus, as described in the specification. Thebumps may be redundant when the upwardly projecting support member 466′is employed in the base 403′, as this would support the apparatus 10′ inthe desired orientation.

In order to provide the clipping feature described above, the breathingassistance apparatus 10′ could have an indented portion 133′ in the formof a recess that engages with the projecting member or bump 481′ on themount, as shown in FIGS. 36 to 39. The indented portion 133′ ispositioned on the tongue 131′, such that when the breathing assistanceapparatus 10′ is inserted into the mount 451′, the tongue 131′ willresiliently flex upon contact with the bump 481′. The tongue 131′ willreturn to its regular unflexed position once the bump 481′ engages withthe corresponding indented portion 133′. The features is designed suchthat the force required to disengage the bump 481′ from the indentedportion 133′ is greater than the weight force of the support assembly400′ combined with any potential accessory components attached. Thefeatures could alternatively be reversed, with the projecting bump beingpositioned on the tongue 131′ of the breathing assistance apparatus andthe corresponding indented portion being located on the mount 451′. Withthis configuration, the angling function provided by the bumps of FIG.25 will not be present.

The bump 481′ and indented portion 133′ could be used in combinationwith any of the various designs for other features described in thespecification.

The support assembly is described with reference to a flow therapyapparatus that is capable of delivering heated and humidified gases to apatient or user. The apparatus may be suitable for treating chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The apparatus may be configured todeliver gases to a patient interface at a high flow rate (high flowtherapy), particularly nasal high flow therapy.

Alternatively, the support assembly may be used with an apparatus for adifferent purpose. The apparatus may be a high flow therapy apparatus,or may be a low flow therapy apparatus. For example, the features may beprovided in an apparatus for providing continuous positive airwaypressure (CPAP), which may deliver gases (humidified or otherwise) atlower flow rates.

The support assembly may alternatively be used with an apparatus thatdoes not require a humidifier and therefore does not require the liquidchamber 500 or chamber bay 108 features. The support assembly has broadapplications in other types of gas delivery apparatuses.

The ‘flow therapy apparatus’ language is intended to cover all suchvariants.

The support assembly could be configured and used to support anysuitable patient interface, such as the patient interfaces described inthe Introduction section from paragraphs [00101] to [00108] for example.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should notbe taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the priorart forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavourin any country in the world.

Where reference is used herein to directional terms such as ‘up’,‘down’, ‘forward’, ‘rearward’, ‘horizontal’, ‘vertical’ etc, those termsrefer to when the apparatus is in a typical in-use position and/or withreference to particular orientations shown in the figures, and are usedto show and/or describe relative directions or orientations.

1.-9. (canceled)
 10. A holder apparatus for holding a conduit and/or apatient interface, the holder apparatus comprising: a mount to couplewith a breathing assistance apparatus; and at least one mechanicalfeature for holding the conduit and/or the patient interface in placerelative to the breathing assistance apparatus.
 11. The holder apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein the holder apparatus comprises anupstanding holder, wherein the upstanding holder comprises said at leastone mechanical feature for holding the conduit and/or the patientinterface, and wherein the at least one mechanical feature has a shapethat is complementary to a shape of the conduit and/or the patientinterface.
 12. The holder apparatus according to claim 11, wherein theat least one mechanical feature comprises one or more of: a recess orgroove; a clip; a hinge mechanism; a compliant sling or strap; a hookand loop fastener.
 13. The holder apparatus according to claim 10,wherein the at least one mechanical feature comprises a plurality of themechanical features, and wherein the plurality of mechanical featuresare configured to hold the conduit and/or the patient interface.
 14. Theholder apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the holder apparatus isupstanding and is configured such that the at least one mechanicalfeature is located higher than the breathing assistance apparatus or ator adjacent a top of the breathing assistance apparatus, when the mountis coupled with the breathing assistance apparatus.
 15. The holderapparatus according to claim 10, wherein a portion of the holderapparatus is upstanding and is configured such that a power cord can bewrapped around the portion between the portion and the breathingassistance apparatus.
 16. The holder apparatus according to claim 10,further comprising an additional mechanical feature for holding a liquidbag.
 17. The holder apparatus according to claim 16, wherein theadditional mechanical feature is positioned vertically higher than theat least one mechanical features for holding the conduit and/or thepatient interface.
 18. The combination of the holder apparatus accordingto claim 10 and the breathing assistance apparatus with the conduitand/or the patient interface, wherein the conduit and/or the patientinterface is/are held in place relative to the holder apparatus by theat least one mechanical feature.
 19. The combination of claim 18,wherein the holder apparatus is positioned on a support surface, andwherein the conduit and/or the patient interface is/are held above thesupport surface by the holder apparatus.
 20. A support apparatus for abreathing assistance apparatus comprising: a stand; and a holder,wherein the holder comprises at least one mechanical feature for holdinga conduit and/or a cannula of the breathing assistance apparatus inplace, wherein the stand is configured to support the holder in anupstanding configuration, and wherein the stand and/or the holder is/areconfigured to support the breathing assistance apparatus.
 21. Thesupport apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the holder extendsupwardly from a periphery of the stand.
 22. The support apparatusaccording to claim 20, wherein the holder comprises a mount that isconfigured to releasably couple the support apparatus with the breathingassistance apparatus.
 23. The support apparatus of claim 22, wherein themount is additionally configured to couple the stand with the holder.24. The support apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the standcomprises a base and an upstand, wherein the upstand is configured tocouple with the mount.
 25. The support apparatus according to claim 20,wherein a position of the mount on the holder is such that an undersideof the breathing assistance apparatus is configured to be positionedwith a spacing above a top surface of a base of the stand, when thebreathing assistance apparatus is coupled with the support apparatus.26. The support apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the holdercomprises a plurality of the mechanical features for holding a conduitand a cannula.
 27. The support apparatus according to claim 20, whereinthe at least one mechanical feature is positioned on the holder suchthat the conduit and/or cannula is/are held above a support surface whenheld by the at least one mechanical features,
 28. The support apparatusaccording to claim 20, further comprising an additional mechanicalfeature for holding a liquid bag.
 29. The support apparatus according toclaim 28, wherein the additional mechanical feature is positionedvertically higher than the mechanical features for holding the conduitand/or the cannula.